On Dining and Discussion

by Benny Mattis, Digital Communications Coordinator

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In the opening chapter of the Analects, Confucius acknowledges the "great joy" to be found when "a friend visits from far away." I would not claim to understand the depth of meaning in that sage's wisdom, but I can attest to the joy that was felt during a lunch gathering in Maryland when Peter Tan, Board Chair of the US-China Catholic Association, visited Maryland from his home in Texas. This occasion brought together the people in the photo below: from left, those present included myself, current Executive Director Ben OuYang, Ben's wife Jia-Shieu, Jean Lovejoy, former Executive Director and current Board Member Doug Lovejoy, and current Board Chair Peter Tan.

As we relished the cuisine of Rockville's Taipei Café, I had the privilege of listening to some of the US-China Catholic Association's leadership as they discussed upcoming USCCA events and recalled personal anecdotes of international friendship. Their enthusiasm for the USCCA and its mission was inspiring and energizing.

Looking back on this gathering, I gained a new understanding of the importance of in-person fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, even (and especially) when we are typically separated geographically by long distances. The USCCA's Study Tours include plenty of opportunities to dine and discuss with neighbors from near and far; likewise, the 30th USCCA International Conference will bring scholars and lay people together once again for dialogue around the theme of "Nourishing Trust and Friendship: Following the Way of Christ." I reckon that my recent lunch excursion brought only a taste of the blessings that participants might find in these upcoming USCCA events!

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Benny Mattis is the Digital Communications Coordinator of the US-China Catholic Association. He resides in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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